Pittsburgh, PA waterfront

2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live In America Sponsored by:

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
694
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 36
Demographics 45
Economy 67
Education 67
Health 71
Housing 57
Infrastructure 48

#45. Pittsburgh, PA

A few years ago, Duolingo popped up a billboard in San Francisco that said: “Own a home. Work in tech. Move to Pittsburgh.” Job applications came pouring into the language learning app’s Pennsylvania headquarters. A former steel city, Pittsburgh, PA has reinvented itself into a thriving innovation hub and is home to a diverse group of startups. It’s also a top city for first-time homebuyers because of its affordable entry points. Those who migrate here from coastal cities don’t have to sacrifice big-city amenities, though. Pittsburgh has professional sports teams, a thriving arts and culture scene, breweries for all types of beer lovers and top-notch universities. 

Top Colleges/Universities: University of Pittsburgh & Carnegie Mellon University

Top Industries & Employers: Pittsburgh’s leading industries include advanced manufacturing, health care, energy, business and financial services, and information tech. Some major employers include Alcoa Inc., Kraft Heinz Co. and Highmark Health.

Weekend Plans: Cheer on the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers. Other must-do’s include a visit to the Andy Warhol Museum and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Finally, for the very best panorama of Pittsburgh and its three rivers, ride the Duquesne Incline, a historic cable car. 

Favorite Place to Feast: Fig & Ash, which serves wood-fired, house-milled grains and seasonal veggies.

Beloved Beverage: Beer. Sample the best along the Pittsburgh Brewery Trail, which includes more than 30 spots. 

Outdoorsy Activity: Rent a bike from one of the 100 Healthy Ride stations and explore the city on two wheels.

Rooftop Bar: Nine stories above William Penn Place, Biergarten serves European beers and bites like soft pretzels with beer cheese.

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: Rent a kayak from Venture Outdoors and explore downtown Pittsburgh’s waterways. Pets are welcome to join you. 

Remote Work Perk: Break up your workday with a walk. There are 24 miles of riverfront trails.

One More Thing … Pittsburgh is known as the “City of Bridges” thanks to its 446 bridges, more than Venice, Italy, or any other city in the world.

– Brittany Anas

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